New Year’s Eve is just around the corner and we’re all waiting for the clock to strike midnight on 31 December.
Instead of writing about New Year’s resolutions for this last post of 2015, I decided to have a look at our neighbours’ traditions. As nations and regions differ in culture and history, so do their end-of-year traditions. Here are some examples of how some of us ring in the new year:
- Luxembourg: Besides the traditional fireworks at midnight, end-of year customs revolve mainly around food in the Grand Duchy. Luxembourgers likes to celebrate “Neijoerschdag” with meat, ranging from a simple plate of ham, sausage, cheese and pâté to a meat fondue. This is traditionally followed by a butter cake in the shape of a calendar. The preferred drink to wash it all down is a nice glass of ice-cold crémant.
- Belgium: For 1 January, children in Belgium write so-called “New Year’s letters” to their parents or godparents, containing holiday greetings and good wishes. These are often decorated with roses, angels, cherubs and a ribbon, and read aloud as the clock strikes midnight. Adults mostly stick to eating, drinking and merry-making.
- France: What could be more French then eating a stack of pancakes, or “crêpes”, to ring in the new year? Chasing them down with some champagne, perhaps... Some also opt for the traditional kiss under the mistletoe at midnight. Oh la la!
- Germany: Our German neighbours consider lead to be auspicious. On New Year’s Eve, they pour molten lead into cold water and the resulting shape is said to predict the future. A heart shape symbolises marriage whereas any round shapes denote good luck. If you get an anchor, you may need some assistance in the upcoming year. All is well as long as you don’t get a cross – this stands for a looming death in the family.
So there you have it: people do crazy things to ring in the new year. Who knows, maybe we have inspired you to try out some of these customs or even start your own end-of-year tradition. Whatever you do, I wish you a Happy New Year!
